Why Insomnia Was Invented

There's something about a leaf turning red that seems to augur the season of reading, and this fall is no exception. Ironically, there's less light. So we'll help you choose your time carefully. The winners for this fall's choicest selections are ...

Author who has traveled the farthest to read in Richmond:

Fantasy author of "Chasing the Bard," Philippa Ballantine hails from New Zealand and plans to team up with Richmond author Tee Morris to read at Creatures 'n Crooks Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.

Newest Poetry Open Mic:

"Bend Your Ear," scheduled Sept. 16 and Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (and every other third Sunday) at Art6 at 6 E. Broad St.

Most Carnies Per Page:

Lou Ann Ladin and Wayne Dementi have a new book, "The State Fair of Virginia since 1854: More Than a Midway," featuring documentation of the state's largest pig, pumpkin and corn dog, at the Library of Virginia Sept. 18 at noon.

Most Writers in the Shortest Amount of Time:

The James River Writers Conference, "Electrify Your Writing," includes Claudia Emerson and Sheri Reynolds, Sept. 28-29 at the Library of Virginia.

Possibly the Biggest Book Out of the South in the 21st Century:

Virginia sheep farmer and Civil War buff, Donald McCaig, has written the second book authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, "Rhett Butler's People." Will our appetite for everything Scarlett O'Hara finally be sated, or will McCaig leave us hungry for more? Readers must wait till Nov. 6 to find out.

Writer Who's Had Lunch with Brad Pitt and Christina Ricci and Lived in a Crack House:

Esquire Writer-at-Large Mike Sager, responsible for the stories that inspired "Boogie Nights," "Wonderland" and other films, comes to the Fountain Bookstore Sept. 29 to talk about his latest collection of stories, "The Revenge of the Donut Boys: True Stories of Lust, Fame, Survival and Multiple Personality."